The National Hygiene Program (NHP), dubbed Kazi Mtaani, is a national initiative that designed to cushion the most vulnerable but able-bodied citizens living in informal settlements from the effects and response strategies of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was conceptualized an extended public works project (EPWPs) aimed at utilizing labor intensive approaches to create sustainable public goods in the urban development sector. Through this initiative, residents from informal settlements are recruited to undertake projects concentrated in and around informal settlements with the aim of improving the environment, service delivery infrastructure, and providing income generation opportunities.
The first phase of Kazi Mtaani kicked off in April 2020 as a pilot program and focused on select informal settlements in the 8 counties of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kisumu, Kilifi, Kwale, and Mandera. The program employed over 26,000 workers from informal settlements.
The second phase of Kazi Mtaani will be expanded to cover 34 counties and employ 200,000 workers from informal settlements to engage in more urban development projects.
With more funding be available, the program hopes to then roll out subsequent phases that will cover all 47 counties.
What is Kazi Mtaani?
Kazi Mtaani is part of Kenya’s National Hygiene Program to protect vulnerable Youth living in informal settlements following stern measures implemented in the fight against #COVID19.
What does it aim to do?
The program aims to provide social protection for youth whose prospects for daily or casual work has been disrupted by the containment policies put in place to limit the spread of #COVID19
How long will the program run?
The program is in two phases, Phase 1 was launched on April 29th 2020 and ended on June 2nd 2020. A duration of 22 days. Phase 2 of the program is currently underway and ran from July 2020 for a period of 6.5 months
Why was the pay in Phase 2 reduced?
In phase 2, the wage was revised down to Ksh 455 per day, to allow recruitment of more youth in other counties to also benefit from the program. Payments are made once a week through mobile money transfer
What is the Recruitment procedure?
Selection is done through a committee that includes Informal settlement leadership, Settlement Executive committees, Nyumba kumi leaders and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOS) to avoid favoritism.
What are the qualifications to join the program?
The program targets youth in informal settlements who are above 18 years. Those selected must hold a valid ID card and have a phone number registered for MPESA. The details in the ID MUST match those used for MPESA
How many youth will benefit from the program ?
Phase 1 employed over 31,000 youth in 8 counties while phase 2 will employ over 273,067 youth from all 47 counties across the country.
How much has been disbursed so far?
Phase 1 , utilized Ksh 632 Million, while phase 2 will utilize approximately Ksh 10billion , primarily used for wages for the over 270,000 workers for a period of 6.5 months
How can I join the initiative?
Kindly visit your area chief’s office for more information on recruitment dates
Can I apply online to join Kazi Mtaani?
There is no online recruitment ongoing for Kazi mtaani. Any information regarding online application is fake information.
